Junior Controls Engineer

Digital Manufacturing Ireland; Limerick; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

We are seeking a graduate or junior Controls Engineer to join the Technology Operations team at Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI). This is an on-site role based at DMI’s Limerick facility, focused on machine building, equipment integration, and the deployment of automation solutions across DMI’s production line and client projects in the MedTech, Pharma, and High-Tech sectors.

The successful candidate will combine hands-on controls engineering with machine vision and SCADA/MES integration,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechanical, or Process Engineering (or equivalent).
• 1–5 years’ experience in machine building, equipment integration, or industrial automation.
• Familiarity with IEC 61131 PLC programming (Siemens, Omron, Rockwell, or similar).
• Some hands-on exposure to machine vision systems and/or SCADA/MES integration.
• Awareness of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC-UA, MQTT).

Responsibilities

• Support the building, integration, and commissioning of automation equipment on-site.
• Assist in programming, configuring, and testing PLC logic, HMI interfaces, and robotic systems.
• Integrate machine vision solutions into automated processes for quality control and defect detection.
• Contribute to SCADA and MES integration using Ignition or similar packages.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to ensure reliability, compliance, and performance.
• Support on-site training, demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing for DMI colleagues and clients.
• Develop use cases and exemplars that showcase machine vision and digital manufacturing technologies.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Industrial control systems

Machine vision

SCADA integration

MES concepts

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechanical, or Process Engineering

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Cognex

Keyence

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

Job description

Digital Manufacturing Ireland is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland and has been established to help manufacturers accelerate their adoption of digital technologies.

DMI offers a state-of-the‑art physical and digital factory, a vendor showcase, industry collaboration spaces, and training facilities. The DMI facility brings together technology, expertise, and business support to help manufacturing companies transform, innovate, and future‑proof their operations.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a graduate or junior Controls Engineer to join the Technology Operations team at Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI). This is an on‑site role based at DMI’s Limerick facility, focused on machine building, equipment integration, and the deployment of automation solutions across DMI’s state‑of‑the‑art production line and client projects in the MedTech, Pharma, and High‑Tech sectors. The successful candidate will combine hands‑on controls engineering with machine vision and SCADA/MES integration, while supporting on‑site training and knowledge‑sharing at DMI. Above all, we are looking for someone with a genuine eagerness to learn new technologies and to grow within Ireland’s national centre for digital manufacturing innovation.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Support the building, integration, and commissioning of automation equipment and machinery on‑site.
• Assist in programming, configuring, and testing PLC logic, HMI interfaces, and robotic systems.
• Integrate machine vision solutions into automated processes for quality control and defect detection.
• Contribute to SCADA and MES integration using Ignition or similar packages – including data collection, visualisation, and connectivity to higher‑level systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimise control systems to ensure reliability, compliance, and performance.
• Support on‑site training, demonstrations, and knowledge‑sharing for DMI colleagues and clients.
• Develop use cases and exemplars that showcase machine vision and digital manufacturing technologies.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Foundational knowledge of PLC programming, HMI design, and industrial control systems.
• Exposure to machine vision platforms (e.g. Cognex, Keyence, Halcon) and their integration into automation.
• Familiarity with SCADA integration and an understanding of MES concepts.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Good communication and collaboration skills with internal teams and clients.
• A demonstrable eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt to emerging tools – this is essential.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechanical, or Process Engineering (or equivalent industrial experience).
• 1–5 years’ experience in machine building, equipment integration, or industrial automation. Recent graduates with strong relevant project or placement experience will also be considered.
• Familiarity with IEC 61131 PLC programming (Siemens, Omron, Rockwell, or similar).
• Some hands‑on exposure to machine vision systems and/or SCADA/MES integration.
• Awareness of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC‑UA, MQTT).

Desired Skills (Advantageous):

• Hands‑on experience with Ignition SCADA or other packages (Aveva, WinCC, FactoryTalk).
• Knowledge of MES/MOM integration and the ISA‑95 model.
• Robotics programming and deployment experience.
• Familiarity with lighting and lens setup for vision systems.
• Exposure to Python, C++, or AI tools (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Awareness of GMP, validation, and regulatory standards in MedTech/Pharma.
• Interest in Industry 4.0 and emerging automation technologies.